How to Use Alipay in China: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Alipay is more than a payment app. It is a daily-life app that helps you do many of the things you need as soon as you arrive in China.

You can use Alipay to:

• Pay at shops, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores
• Scan QR codes at small local businesses
• Use public transport in supported cities
• Hail taxis or access ride-hailing services
• Book hotels, flights, and train tickets
• Use mini-programs without downloading separate apps
• Check bills and payment history
• Access translation and currency conversion tools in the international version

For Shanghai specifically, the official Shanghai government website describes Alipay as an essential app and a popular method for paying for things. It also lists WeChat Pay and Alipay as the two major digital payment methods in China. (english.shanghai.gov.cn)

Download the official app called Alipay or Alipay – Simplify Your Life.

Tip: Avoid random APK download websites unless you have no other option. For most users, the safest choice is the Apple App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, or an official Alipay download QR code.

Before setting up Alipay, prepare the following:

There are two main ways to pay with Alipay in China.

The Alipay home screen can feel overwhelming at first because it includes payments, transport, mini-programs, services, promotions, and search features. Newcomers should focus on the core buttons first.

Beginner tip: For your first week in Shanghai, focus only on Scan, Pay / Receive, Transport, and Me. You can explore the rest later.

Alipay can be used for public transport in supported cities, including transport-related services in Shanghai. Inside the app, look for Transport or 出行.

1. 01 Open Alipay

   Make sure you have internet access before entering the metro station.

2. 02 Tap Transport / 出行

   Select Shanghai if prompted to choose a city.

3. 03 Activate the QR code

   Tap to generate the metro or bus QR code. This may take a moment on first use.

4. 04 Scan at the gate

   Hold your phone screen up to the QR code scanner at the metro gate or bus scanner.

Recommended backup: Keep a small amount of RMB cash or a transport card available when you first arrive, especially before your Alipay account is fully tested.

For a full guide to getting around Shanghai, see the Shanghai Metro Guide and Shanghai Transportation Guide.

Alipay is very useful for daily payments, but foreign-linked cards do not unlock every feature available to local Chinese users.

International bank cards can be used for daily purchases in mainland China, but do not support person-to-person transfers, red packets, wealth management services, insurance services, or other financial services. (Alipay+)

Payment rules can change, and fees may vary depending on the card, app version, payment method, and issuing bank. Always check the payment confirmation screen before paying.

China's official government website says the single transaction limit for overseas visitors using mobile payments was raised from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000, and the annual cumulative transaction cap was raised from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000. (State Council of China)

For exchange rates, payments using Alipay+ foreign exchange rates are updated and disclosed every business day, while exchange rates for international bank cards on Alipay are provided by the card scheme and issuing bank. (Alipay+)

Practical tip: Before making a large purchase, check whether your card issuer adds a foreign transaction fee. Your bank may charge separately from anything shown inside Alipay.

For newcomers to Shanghai, the best answer is: set up both Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Alipay is often easier for payments, transport, travel services, and some tourist-friendly features. WeChat Pay is important because WeChat is widely used for messaging, groups, restaurants, mini-programs, and local services.

Best setup for Shanghai newcomers:

1. 01 Alipay

   For payments, transport, taxis, and travel services.

2. 02 WeChat Pay

   For social payments, restaurant mini-programs, groups, and local services.

3. 03 Some RMB cash

   As a backup, especially in your first few days.

4. 04 One international card

   A card that works overseas, in case a digital payment fails.

5. 05 Optional: local bank card

   Worth setting up if you are staying long term.

Read the full guide: How to Use WeChat Pay as a Foreigner in China

Use Alipay carefully, especially during your first few days in China.

• Only download the official Alipay app.
• Do not share your payment code screenshots.
• Check the payment amount before confirming.
• Keep your passport name and card name consistent.
• Enable phone lock, Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode protection.
• Keep a backup payment method.
• Monitor your card statements for failed or duplicate charges.
• Contact Alipay support or your bank if something looks wrong.

Alipay+ lists customer service numbers for payment-related questions, including a local China number and an overseas number, with service hours Monday to Sunday, 08:00–24:00 GMT+8. (Alipay+)